Is Subaru AWD all the time?
Not always. Subaru typically ships its vehicles with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but the brand's BRZ sports coupe is rear-wheel-drive, not AWD.
Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system is a defining feature for most of its lineup. It aims to provide stable handling and traction in adverse conditions by delivering power to all four wheels. In the United States, nearly every model apart from the BRZ uses AWD as standard equipment across trims. This design philosophy extends to SUVs and sedans, making Subaru a popular choice for drivers facing rain, snow, or uneven surfaces.
How Subaru's AWD system works
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a full-time system that uses a center differential to distribute power between the front and rear axles. It is designed to keep weight balanced and to leverage the car's evenly mounted drivetrain for a low center of gravity. The system can automatically shuffle torque to the axle with more grip, helping with acceleration, cornering, and stability on slippery surfaces. Many models also offer electronic traction control and drive modes tuned for snow, gravel, or mud to maximize grip.
Current Subaru models and their drivetrains
The following lineup reflects typical drivetrain configurations for Subaru's current US-market models. The BRZ stands out as the notable exception, offering rear-wheel drive rather than AWD. This quick guide helps readers understand what to expect when shopping Subaru in 2025.
- Forester — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- Outback — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- Crosstrek — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- Legacy — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- Ascent — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- WRX — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- Solterra — Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims
- BRZ — Rear-wheel drive (not AWD)
Across Subaru's current lineup, AWD is the dominant configuration for mainstream models, with the BRZ as the exception. SUVs and family cars rely on the Symmetrical AWD system to deliver stability across winter roads and wet conditions, while the BRZ is designed for lighter weight and sporty handling through rear-wheel drive.
Notable exception: the BRZ
The BRZ is a two-door sport coupe that uses rear-wheel drive designed for a more engaging driving experience. It does not include Subaru's Symmetrical AWD. This exception is accurate for the U.S. market and widely for other regions, though Subaru's global catalog can vary by market.
Summary
Subaru prioritizes AWD as the default for its mainstream lineup, offering improved traction and stability across snow, rain, and challenging surfaces. The principal exception remains the BRZ, which is intentionally rear-wheel drive. For drivers seeking the AWD advantage, Subaru provides a broad range of SUVs and sedans with standard Symmetrical AWD across most trims.
